Collateral circulation: shoulder + elbow

Think of each joint as a bypass network: proximal branches meet distal/recurrent branches so blood can reach the limb even when the main artery is compressed during movement.

Tap the region, then tap chips to highlight each anastomotic route.

Shoulder / scapular anastomosis

Main idea: subclavian branches connect with axillary branches around the scapula.

Scapular anastomosis:
Suprascapular artery + dorsal scapular artery + circumflex scapular artery.

Sources: Suprascapular and dorsal scapular usually from subclavian system; circumflex scapular from subscapular artery, a branch of axillary artery.

Acromial network:
Acromial branch of thoracoacromial + suprascapular + posterior circumflex humeral contributions.

Around surgical neck:
Anterior circumflex humeral + posterior circumflex humeral arteries.

Exam trap: posterior circumflex humeral artery travels with axillary nerve through quadrangular space.

Rapid recall check

Which scapular artery links the axillary system to the subclavian system?

Circumflex scapular artery — from subscapular artery, branch of axillary artery.

Collateral circulation: shoulder + elbow

Shoulder / scapular anastomosis

Elbow anastomosis

Limb Anastomoses